John Isner and Jack Sock named Benoit Paire as the player they wish they had been real friends with during their careers as the two former American tennis players both described the Frenchman as a chill person. 

Isner, who is 40 years old, started his pro career in 2007 and went on to spend 16 years on the ATP Tour before calling it a career after the 2023 US Open. On the other side, 33-year-old Sock decided to call time on his pro tennis career in 2023, and has since switched to pro pickleball.

During their time on the Tour, Isner and Sock met and crossed paths with 36-year-old Paire numerous times. And when playing a fun quiz game during the latest episode of their podcast and being asked to name a player they wished they had as a real friend, the Americans instantly remembered Paire.

Isner: I always had a great rapport with Paira but we never really hung out outside of tournaments

“I have a couple, so I’ll name one: Benoît Paire. Always had great rapport at the tournaments… but never really hung out with him outside of a tournament. I’d like to go to dinner with him, wearing a scarf all year round,” the 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist said on the Nothing Major Show. 

Sock added: “Yeah, I’m with you on that one, John. One hundred percent.”

Paire, who was once considered one of the most promising French players, has won three ATP titles so far in his career and has been ranked as high as No. 18 in the world. However, the Frenchman is mostly known to the tennis public for his nonchalant personality and, at times, even controversial behavior. 

While Paire is still active, the Frenchman is far from his best days as he is currently ranked at No. 795 in the world and has mostly played on the Challenger Tour this year. The 36-year-old didn’t play a single match on the main level in 2025.